Environmental and Ethical Considerations.

Growth-enhancing technologies (GETs) in cattle production are implemented to maximize animal performance and resource efficiency. These include steroidal implants, ionophores, beta-adrenergic agonists, and melengestrol acetate. Although these technologies provide economic and productivity benefits, they also carry nuanced environmental implications that warrant critical evaluation. This article examines the environmental impact of each major GET on greenhouse gas emissions, including methane, nitrous oxide, and carbon dioxide, along with land and water resource use, nutrient outputs, and systemic effects.